Bournemouth Cycle Expo

by Paul Horta-Hopkins · 30/10/2023

The Primera Sports Bournemouth Cycle Expo is back after a covid induced pause.

Primera Sports are a family run business based in Dorset, with shops in Bournemouth and Poole. Last held back in 2019, the Bournemouth Cycle Expo would regularly attract 5000 visitors. As it has been a while Primera wanted to “bring the event back with a bang“!

The event was held in the Bournemouth International Centre right on Bournemouth’s sea front. As the family and I were visiting the area – the weather was less than clement and the entry was free – it was decided it would make for an interesting diversion. With the wind and rain pummelling the sea front, we quickly scuttled into the BIC. There was a brief hesitation as we spotted a queue at the entrance and the site of cash registers; did we have to pay for entry? No, it was only people buying raffle tickets! Not a bad raffle either, prizes include a Specialized eBike, carbon gravel frame, signed Ineos team kit, and loads of other goodies.

Once into the main hall and it was good to see a good turn out. All the exhibitors were arranged backing onto a central area where Primera were selling their own stock. Here there were some fantastic bargain to be had, from clothing to bikes; well worth a visit just for this I thought.

Who’s at the show?

The main attraction though were the brand stands. Here you got a chance to look at some great kit from a wide range of companies. Raleigh had some impressive electric cargo/kiddy haulers and Haibike had so many eMtbs. Pinarello had some gorgeous bikes, including one of Tom Pidcock’s Mtbs with a stunning paintjob. Moda were back with a range of very nice looking road bikes. Hope had their futuristic track bike and full-suss Mtb, plus all their usual anodised kit.

Also there were Cannondale, who had a good display with some WorldTour and LAB71 bikes for us to fondle. Orro were representing Sussex with their range of beautifully painted bikes. Halo had a nice collection of gravel wheels and their new gravel tyres, with a cut-away hub to show just how easy they are to maintain. Specialized had S-Works road and gravel bikes on display. Merida were also present with their Sculturas and a green 160 Mtb that my boys loved.

There were also stands from Cube, Orange, Fizik, Topeak, MiRider, Pirelli, Kask and the local bike club, Poole Wheelers.

Did we enjoy it?

It took us a couple of hours to see, touch and talk to everyone at the show and it was enjoyed by all the family. In fact it took me ten minutes to pull my wife away from the Cannondale stand and the Super Six Evo! I would say that the best thing about the return of the Bournemouth Cycle Expo was its size. It was big enough, with enough brands to keep you interested. Small enough that you could see everything without leaving you exhausted. There was stuff to buy at really good prices that made you feel you’d got a bargain.

Last of all the exhibitors were all friendly and happy to talk. Some shows you get the feeling that they’ve had enough, unless you look like you have a wad of cash burning a hole in your pocket! Here they were happy to chat and let you fondle their goods; I’m already looking forward to next years edition.